2023 Kia K5

The Kia K5 is available in four trim levels, LXS, GT-Line, EX, and GT, and base prices range from $26,185 to $32,585.

The K5 is offered with a choice of two powertrains. The 1.6-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine generates 180 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque and is standard on all trims except the GT, where a large 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder is fitted that puts out 290 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. The lesser engine is saddled with an eight-speed automatic transmission (with a torque converter) while an eight-speed dual-clutch unit works with the more powerful engine. Front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is only offered on the GT-Line for $1,700.

The standard front-wheel drive layout achieves an EPA-estimated 27 miles per gallon city, 37 mpg highway, and 31 combined. All-wheel drive reduces those figures to 25, 33, and 28, respectively. The sportier K5 achieves 27 mpg combined which is on par with its sportier competition.

The K5 seats five and stretches to 193.1 inches in length, placing it narrowly between the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. Rear headroom is sufficient with 37.8 inches of rear headroom and 35.2 inches of rear legroom, however, its legroom measures three to five inches less than the competition. Cargo volume equals 16 cubic feet and a folding seat back is standard.

The K5 is standard with automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, high beam assist, blind-spot detection, lane keeping assist with lane centering, automatic rear cross-traffic braking, and safe-exit assist. Adaptive cruise control, expanded automatic emergency braking detection, and LED projector headlights (rated Good by IIHS) are available through an $800 package on GT-Line, which becomes a $3,600 package on the EX trim and a $4,200 package on the GT trim as they are bundled with additional features. The 2022 K5 model (2023 not yet tested) was awarded the Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS and the 2023 model earns a five-star rating from NHTSA.

An eight-inch touchscreen is featured on the LXS and is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto while the GT-Line receives a 10.3-inch screen as well as navigation, SiriusXM, and remote services. Sound is generated through six speakers while a Bose sound system is available on the EX and GT trims. All terms include one front and two rear USB charging ports and the GT-Line trim gains a wireless phone charger.

The LXS is well equipped for the base trim with distinctive LED daytime running lights, Illuminated door handles, body-color heated door mirrors, remote start, proximity entry including a smart trunk, 16-inch alloy wheels, and variable wipers. Inside, a tilt and telescope steering wheel, cloth seats, a 4.2-inch driver information display, dual-zone climate control, and one-touch driver’s window operation are among the notable features.

The GT Line is visually differentiated by a unique front and rear bumper, gloss-black mirrors, LED headlights and turn signals, a black rear spoiler, LED fog lights, a crisp dashed row of premium-looking LED taillights, and unique 18-inch alloy wheels. The GT-Line also receives cloth and synthetic-leather seat trim, 10-way power-adjustability for the driver, and a leather-wrapped GT-Line steering wheel. All-wheel-drive versions are additionally equipped with a heated steering wheel and heated front seats. The GT-Line Panoramic Sunroof Package is $1,000 and features a panoramic roof with a power sunshade, ambient interior lighting, and additional gloss-black exterior trim.

The EX wears similar styling to the LXS trim but gains unique 18-inch wheels, gloss-black exterior trim, wood interior trim, a panoramic sunroof, leather ventilated seats, rear air-conditioning vents, and LED interior lighting.

The EX Premium Package ($3,600) includes the safety features of the GT-Line Premium Package and adds a heated steering wheel, one-touch window control, upgraded audio, driver’s position memory, power-folding mirrors with integrated turn signals, LED rear combination lights, and a surround-view camera system.

The GT trim features 19-inch wheels with wider tires, a sport-tuned suspension, larger brakes, more power calipers, and quad exhaust outlets. The seats gain more shape to their side bolsters and the sportier trim gets its own steering wheel touches and paddle shifters.

The GT1 trim captures everything within the EX Premium Package and is priced at $4,200.

Compare K5 Trims Side-By-Side